A specific colour production would necessitate attention to details at all level. The final masterbatch colour will depend on

1. Proper selection of pigment for masterbatch production
2. The ratio at which the pigments are utilized
3. The type of polymer used such as LLDP, HIPS, ABS, SAN, PVC, PP, polyester, polycarbonate or nylon
4. The base colour of the polymer being used. Different polymers have different base colours ranging from clear, cream or yellow tinted
5. The type of extrusion machine used: single screw extrusion or twin screw extrusion or FCM
6. Dispersing agent that is used for uniform dispersion of the pigment into the carrier resin
7. Optimum temperature of every pigment polymer combination based on the heat stability of the pigments as well as polymers.

Each of these steps would result in different levels of masterbatch being used in each process to produce the same result, and has to be considered in the masterbatch formulation

Another important factor to be taken into consideration is the optimum use of both internal as well as external lubricants to reduce frictional forces between the polymer molecules and/or the pigment. This generally aids dispersion and lubricates the melt flow (increase ’flow’ at lower temperatures).

The above steps will ensure the production of high quality masterbatch but the end user application will also need optimum utilization of masterbatches to attain the desired product. Every manufacturer aims at the best product and a close collaboration between masterbatch manufacturer and user is the key requirement for the highest quality of plastics